Robert P. Locey, MD

Dr. Robert Locey was a dedicated physician and strong advocate for life and health benefits for those less fortunate. Beyond this distinction, however, he was a man of great compassion and generosity. Friends and strangers alike always knew where they stood with Dr. Locey, and always knew they could count on his generous, loving spirit when they needed it most.

Times were hard in the United States in 1930, unemployment rates were high and spirits were low as many American families tried to stretch their dollars in order to survive the Great Depression. Amidst these troubling times, William B. Locey and his wife, Mary A. (DeWall), of Iona, Michigan were focusing on a special blessing they received on January 10, 1930, the birth of their son, Robert P. The Locey household would eventually be a whirlwind of activity with eight children; Robert or Bob as he was called was the fifth in the sibling lineup.

While Mary tended to the needs of their large family at home, William worked as a farmer for many years. When Bob was still young, his family moved to Hartford, Michigan for a few years, then moved to Kalamazoo in 1938, settling in a home on Monroe Street. By 1940, Bob's father was operating a fuel oil distribution business called W.B. Locey & Sons. The family were members of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where Bob served as an altar boy. He also attended St. Joseph School and graduated from St. Augustine High School in 1948.

When Bob was a youngster, his family could not afford medical care. When needed, he would receive medical care at the Kalamazoo County Public Health Services, which at that time was located on the north side of Kalamazoo across the street from Gaurisco's Grocery. On one occasion, it was Bob's younger brother Joseph who needed medical attention when he cut his hand on an old mattress spring. Since Bob's parents weren't home, he put his brother in a wagon and took him right to the corner doctor to get treatment.

Needless to say, by the time Bob was a sophomore in high school, he aspired to be a doctor and serve in the public health field. To achieve this goal, Bob went on to attend Marquette University, St. Bonaventure College, where he earned his Bachelors of Science degree, and Georgetown University, where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree. Bob performed his internship at Mercy Hospital in Buffalo, New York in 1958, and obtained his Michigan medical license in October of that same year. In 1959, he spent a year in Arkansas conducting clinical work at the Center for Disease Control, after which he returned to the University of Michigan and earned his Masters in Public Health.

Bob began his public health career in North Carolina. Then in 1965, Bob became the Public Health Director of Berrien County, where he effectively put together a coalition of Public Health Services for Cass, Van Buren and Berrien Counties. Noted accomplishments during this time included work with migrant health, mothers and young children, and Sickle Cell Anemia. In 1977, Bob took the Director of Public Health position in Oakland County. It was during this time that he was instrumental in finding the source of botulism, which originated from a local restaurant, and corrected the problem.

Bob was a constant advocate for community health and quality of life for all people and even after his retirement in 1995, Bob continued to search for grants to help those at risk, particularly the homeless.

Outside his professional life, Bob enjoyed a variety of activities. He was a big fan of the Detroit Lions, Pistons and Red Wings. When Bob attended Lion's games at the Silverdome, he joked that it gave him a chance to inspect the hot dogs before the game. Bob was very proud of his Irish and Dutch heritage (his great grandfather came from County Cork, Ireland), and enjoyed attending St. Patrick's Day parties. Bob even traveled overseas, visiting Ireland and Jerusalem, where he said he became even closer to God.

As a man of great faith, Bob embodied the true Christian spirit with his kind, generous personality and his strong sense of conviction. He generously gave of his time and monetary contributions to each parish where he was a member. He enjoyed singing at Mass, playing bridge and ballroom dancing with the church groups and being a co-coordinator of parish anniversary celebrations. Bob's sister Betty often called him a "saint" in her RCIA class because of all the wonderful things he did for others. As a tribute to his faith, Bob commissioned a sculptor to create an art form of the Holy Trinity, showing the importance of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Although Bob made his career in the medical field, it was always apparent that the most important job in his life was taking care of his children and grandchildren. He was a good listener and always uplifted those who came to him with words of encouragement. Bob was very close with his children and loved to make trips to visit them and his precious grandchildren. He never forgot to send a birthday card to any of his family. Christmas gifts usually consisted of Banquette Dutch pastries or Dutch Chocolate, and gold coins for the grandchildren. Bob was somewhat the keeper of his family - he kept the historical records of the family, often arranged for family reunions, and was adamant about maintaining customs and family traditions.

Family was Bob's first priority, so nine years ago when his son's family needed assistance Bob didn't hesitate for a moment to pack up and move to Dublin, Ohio. Even after the medical crisis subsided, Bob remained and moved with them two years ago to Marietta, Georgia. Sadly, Bob was diagnosed with lung cancer five months ago and succumbed to this disease on Wednesday, November 22, 2006.

What gave Bob the greatest joy was sharing himself with his family, offering them the most precious thing he possessed - his time. It is a gift none of his family will ever forget.

Dr. Robert P. Locey, age 76, died November 22, 2006 in Marietta, Georgia. Dr. Locey was born January 10, 1930 in Iona, MI the son of William and Mary (DeWall) Locey. He was the former Public Health Officer for Berrien and Oakland Counties. To learn more about Dr. Bob, view his Life Story Film and visit with his family and friends on Tuesday from 4:00 - 8:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home-Betzler 6080 Stadium Dr Kalamazoo 375-2900 where a scripture service will be held Tuesday evening at 7:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Following the interment family and friends are invited to Gallagher's Eatery & Pub, 4210 Stadium Drive.

Members of Dr. Bob's family include his 4 children; Michael (Theresa) Locey of Marietta, GA, Mary (Lisa) Locey of Ann Arbor, MI, Daniel Locey of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Trish (Phillip) Duncan of Charlotte, NC, 12 grandchildren, 1 sister; Betty Murray of Hilton Head, SC, 2 brothers; William Locey of FL, and Joseph Locey of Kalamazoo, several nieces, nephews, and cousins. To read Dr. Locey's complete life story, archive a memory, upload photos, sign the guest book or make a memorial contribution to Catholic Family Services please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.